Student engagement is key is ensuring that students are actively learning in an online platform. It's important for students to be able to communicate dirrectly with the instructor regardless of the platform. I'm currently teaching hybrid classes (some students in class and some students working virtually) through Google Classroom. I regulary post messages for all students to see in Classroom (upcoming assignments, answers to frequently asked questions), but I also email individual students directly to check in on missing assignments, provide encouragement, etc. I've also used the Remind app which allows my virtual learners to message me directly with questions. I think the students are more likely to not only complete the work, but also feel comfortable reaching out for assistance if I make sure to provide many opportunities for them to communicate with me.
I've found that breaking down the course material into weekly segments helps keep students on track without feeling overwhelmed. Along with written notes, I provide videos of lectures of new content and demostrations/examples of activities. Some students simply read the written notes, others spend a lot of time with the videos, and others do a lot of their own research. This combination seems to allow vortual students to successfully complete assignments and assessments on par with my in class students.
Improvements could be made to student-student engagement. Message boards and discussion questions may help students interacte with each other. This would help with a sense of community, and would allow students to support and assist each other. Weekly Google Meets could be used as a way for students to "see" me and each other, and would help create a more cohesive educational environment for students who are working on their own from home.
